Where is the Cabin Air Filter Located in a Toyota RAV4?
3 Answers
Toyota RAV4's cabin air filter is located behind the glove compartment. The replacement procedure is as follows: 1. For vehicles without smart entry & start system, turn the engine switch to "LOCK" position; for vehicles with smart entry & start system, turn off the engine switch. 2. Lift and remove the partition board. 3. Remove the glove box cover. 4. Remove the filter cover plate. 5. Take out the old filter and replace it with a new one, ensuring the "UP" mark on the filter faces upward. Regarding body dimensions, the Toyota RAV4 measures 4600mm in length, 1855mm in width, 1680mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2690mm.
When maintaining my Toyota RAV4, I noticed the cabin air filter is usually hidden behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. To access it, you need to firmly pull the small compartment downward or release the clips on both sides to fully lower it. Then, you'll see a rectangular plastic cover—just gently push the clips to remove it, and the filter is tucked inside. Simply pull it out for replacement, but remember to align the arrow correctly to indicate the airflow direction. The replacement process is super easy. I check it every 12 months or 15,000 kilometers, especially after dusty seasons, because a dirty filter accumulates dust and bacteria, affecting AC cooling efficiency and potentially causing odors or allergy issues. Buying a filter myself costs only 20-30 yuan, saving the hassle of visiting a dealership. There are plenty of online tutorials—you'll get it after one watch. Just avoid forcing the cover open to prevent damaging parts.
When I first wanted to replace the air filter for my Toyota RAV4, I had no idea where to start. Later, I found out it's located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. To access it, gently press down on both sides to release the clips, revealing the cover panel inside. After removing it, you can see the filter and pull it out to replace it with a new one. I change mine every six months. If you often drive on dusty roads, you might want to replace it more frequently to keep the air inside the car fresh and make breathing more comfortable. The filter is inexpensive, costing only about 20-30 yuan on Taobao or at auto parts stores, which is much cheaper than going to a repair shop. The design is quite user-friendly, and beginners will get the hang of it after a few tries. Just remember to align the arrow during installation, otherwise, the airflow might decrease. Maintaining the filter properly can also extend the life of your air conditioning system and reduce the risk of malfunctions.
